South East Junior High School Renovation

Iowa City, Iowa

Firm

Farnsworth Group, Inc.

Client

Iowa City Community School District

Area

148,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$10,400,000

Completion Date

08/2020

Kenneth D. Smith—Design Photography Inc.

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Design Team
Sarah Huston (Project Manager); David Harrison (Principal-in-Charge [retired]); Bob Ridgway (Design Lead); Kelsey Vetter, Sasha Daljevic (Architectural Designers); Barbara Virden (Administrative Assistant)

Farnsworth Group’s designers were hired to complete the renovation and addition to South East Junior High School. The building was constructed in 1958, and several additions were built through 2009. The firm’s assessment of the facility resulted in two additions. One provided two new science classrooms that were designed as part of the school’s collaborative learning suites, an educational program that the school was looking to expand. The second addition is also two stories and was built in the existing courtyard, recapturing space that was no longer being used. The courtyard addition contains three classrooms on the first floor and a media center and outdoor learning patio above.

The renovation also provided a new geothermal HVAC system, a sprinkler system, LED lighting and renovated restrooms. A general update of finishes, including new flooring, ceilings, and casework, was provided throughout. The administration areas were consolidated and redesigned to meet existing and future needs.

As the prime architect, Farnsworth Group was responsible for the coordination of civil, structural, MEPT, and cost-estimating subconsultants.